A Pet May Help to Assure Better Health for You
By Tom Herrin
Many of us have a desire to do whatever we can to maintain good health, but we may not be too crazy about regular workouts. We may find them difficult to stay with. A good alternative may be to have a pet. As children, many of us may have had a pet as a matter of regular practice. At our home, we always had dogs, and most of the time it was more than one or two. I enjoyed interacting with them. Little did I know at the time that they may have had some great benefits in the way of supporting health, but they may do just that for many of us.
Pets May Influence Hormones for the Good
Our bodies react to various hormones in different ways. Some can be really good while others can be harmful. Cortisol is one that can increase our stress levels. It is believed that having a pet may help to reduce levels of cortisol. On the other hand, oxytocin is a hormone that can help to make us feel good. It has been observed that having a pet may help to increase the levels of oxytocin in our bodies. This can make us feel better and happier. This alone can be a great motivator.
We May Be Exercise Buddies
A lot of people do better when they have someone to exercise with. Having a pet may encourage us to get out and exercise regularly. It may not take long to discover how pleasant it is to get out in the outdoors for those daily walks. When walking a pet, we are less likely to do too much, but we may find ourselves wandering about places we would not otherwise consider. As with so many things, the more we get out, the more we find we like it.
Pets May Help Fight Depression
It is pretty easy to become depressed, particularly if we spend very much time alone. When you have a pet, you will not have much choice. When you come in and open that door, you will likely be met by someone who is glad to see you. You will find yourself talking to them even if they do not seem to be able to respond. You may feel you solve some of your problems as you bare your innermost concerns to the listening ears of a receptive pet.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Corpus Christi, Tex.